Wednesday 7^th January – Wednesday after Epiphany

Reflection: 1 John 4: 11-18

LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBBOUR 2

Yesterday, we reflected on the meaning of love and how necessary it is for us to love one another. Today, the first reading outlines some advantages of showing love to one another. “No one has ever seen God but if we love one another God lives in union with us and his love is made perfect in us” (1 John 4:12). Is there a greater reward for showing love to one another than having God in union with us? When we love God with all our hearts, mind and strength and also our neighbor as ourselves, we are drawn nearer to the kingdom of God.

Dear friend, it is true that wickedness in this world has instilled fear into many of us, restricting the magnitude of love we show to one another. However, as heirs of God living in perfect love, we should be courageous to show love beyond all barriers. We can trust that God who has commanded us to love will keep us safe from any harm as we extend our hands to love others with a pure heart. Perfect love does not harbor fear. Rather, it is strong and ready to withstand any form of difficulty. This is the kind of love we are to show to one another; the same kind of love Christ himself showed us when He lived amongst us. Keep in mind that loving God in our neighbor unites us to God and draws us closer to His kingdom. So be all you can be to your neighbor.

PRAYER: Teach me Oh Lord how I can love you best through those around me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 463 – How does one achieve “purity of heart”?

The purity of heart required for love is achieved in the first place through union with God in prayer. When God’s grace touches us, this also produces a path to pure, undivided human love. A chaste person can love with a sincere and undivided heart.

HIDE A TREASEURE: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish and you shall have it” John 15: 7 GNB

Readings for Today: 1 John 4: 11-18; Psalm 72: 1-2, 10-13; Mark 6: 45-52